Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Over recent months, the Government has announced a package of €2.4 billion to help people meet the cost of living and the cost of fuel. I am the Minister for Social Protection and my priority is to assist those on low and fixed incomes and to keep people out of poverty. That is my number one priority. We have the working family payment. I understand that there are people who do not qualify for this payment. I accept that they are working hard but the best way to support them is through a comprehensive tax package. The Deputy knows that the Government has committed to providing a comprehensive tax package of more than €1 billion in the coming budget, which is less than 11 weeks away now. That is how we can help those people who do not qualify for these payments. However, the Deputy will appreciate that, as Minister for Social Protection, my number one priority is to keep people out of poverty and to target those on low incomes and those most in need.

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